The Burgum Alternative Asset Speaker Series

Engaging conversations in the alternative asset sector.

This series is designed to support speakers experiences in alternative assets who will share their experiences and offer guidance to students in areas related to careers in the alternative asset sector. 

The inaugural event hosted Scott Anderson, CIO of the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office to present is talk on, "Why Invest in Alternatives?", on October 8, 2025 at Nistler Hall.

About the Bergum Alternative Asset Series

This presentation introduced students to the world of investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Anderson discussed why alternative assets have become a crucial component for large, long-term investors, focusing on their power to diversify a portfolio, reduce overall volatility, and cushion against market downturns.

The discussion covered the primary benefits and significant risks of incorporating alternatives into a modern investment strategy. Anderson also outlined several career paths within the industry.

Scott Anderson Biography

Scott Anderson serves as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the North Dakota Retirement & Investment Office (RIO), which coordinates the activities of the State Investment Board. He oversees the investment programs for RIO's portfolio, which has more than $24 billion in assets under management (AUM). His responsibilities include the administration of several key state funds, such as the Teachers' Fund for Retirement, the Public Employees Retirement System, the Workforce Safety & Insurance Fund, and the Legacy Fund.

Before joining RIO in 2022, Mr. Anderson was the Managing Director of Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions at American Family Insurance. His prior experience includes five years at the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) as Managing Director of Asset and Risk Allocation, a nearly 10-year tenure at American Family Insurance as Director of Performance and Risk, and seven years in progressive leadership roles at Deloitte.

Mr. Anderson holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and earned both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.